A new management plan for Cinderhill Community Woodland, in the parish of Brenchley and Matfield, is due to bring some changes to the look of this local wildlife site. The Kent High Weald Project, who manage the site on behalf of the local community for both its wildlife and amenity value, have recently commissioned the Kent Wildlife Trust to review the way in which it is looking after the site, and see how it can be improved upon. The results of this review have led to many recommendations, including closer work with the managers of the neighbouring nature reserve, who just happen to be the Kent Wildlife Trust themselves!

Cinderhill Community Woodland is made up of a number of rare and special habitats, including ancient woodland and lowland heathland. This makes the area especially valuable for many uncommon or nationally declining species of birds, such as the turtledove and willow tit, reptiles such as the adder, and wildflowers, such as the greater butterfly-orchid.

To read more about the habitats of Cinderhill, click here.

In order to look after these rarities, as well as a host of equally colourful if slightly more common local treasures, a new cycle of coppicing has been drawn up for the areas of sweet chestnut trees, and a proposal to link two existing areas of heathland to become one larger, more manageable space has been put forward.

Although the period for consultation has now closed, we are still welcoming any comments on the plan and the work it proposes, and project officers are happy to meet with any special interest groups who would like to know more. All suggestions are welcome, and these can either be made by phone on 01580 212972, emailed to info@khwp.org.uk, or sent by post to the Kent High Weald Project, Conservation Centre, Bedgebury Pinetum, Goudhurst, Kent TN17 2SJ.

Download the New Management Plan for Cinderhill Woods

Click on the following links to begin downloading the new management plan. Maps referred to in the plan are included below. Other appendices can be made available on request.

Draft Cinderhill Management Plan

Appendix 5: Management Plan Locations

Appendix 6: Suggested Coppice Rotation Map

Appendix 7: Fencing Map

List of Appendices

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